Massachusetts Green Jobs

_EOHLC is seeking an Inspections Specialist in the Division of Public Housing & Rental Assistance!_ _ _ _ _ _AGENCY MISSION:_ The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents. Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities. _ _ _OVERVIEW OF ROLE (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):_ The Inspections Specialist oversees the inspections systems for EOHLC’s voucher programs. They will take the lead in creating, disseminating, and implementing policy and procedural guidance, including changes required as a result of the Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). They will ensure that EOHLC and the regional administering agencies (RAAs) are meeting all requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including for audit inspections. While ensuring we are in compliance with HUD and Massachusetts requirements and supporting healthy and safe living environments for our state and federal voucher households, they will recommend policies and processes to minimize lease-up timelines and improve the attractiveness of our mobile vouchers to landlords. They will act as the primary program resource and provide technical assistance on inspections to DRA and other EOHLC staff, RAAs, affordable housing developers, and other program stakeholders. _ _ _DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):_ 1) _Inspections:_ · Be well-versed in federal and state voucher and EOHLC’s Moving to Work (MTW) program rules, guidance, policies, and regulations, as well as state sanitary code requirements. · Draft, disseminate, and train on other program guidance as necessary. · As primary point of contact on inspections matters, respond to requests from and provide technical assistance on federal rental assistance programs to DRA and EOHLC staff, RAAs, and other stakeholders. · Assist in assessing and implementing inspections flexibilities where possible. 2) *Policies & Procedures:* · Be familiar with HCV Housing Quality Standards and assist in implementing NSPIRE policies and procedures, including Administrative Plan updates, drafting and disseminating guidance, and ensuring compliance prior to HUD’s deadline. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changing federal requirements. · Develop and implement procedures for quality control (audit) inspections required to be conducted by the Inspections Specialist or the RAAs. · Develop and implement tracking and reporting procedures to ensure that EOHLC is complying with quality control requirements. · Be familiar with HOTMA and assist in implementing its policies and procedures, including Administrative Plan updates and drafting and disseminating guidance. · Participate as needed in policy planning meetings and external presentations. 3) *Technical Assistance:* · Respond to program participant questions, legislative inquiries, and constituent calls, as necessary. · As necessary, provide on-site technical assistance to low-performing RAAs and escalate urgent issues to management. 4) *Inspections Training Guide/Manual:* · Create an updated Inspections Training Guide/Manual, including best practices and standard operating procedures, for use by EOHLC and RAA staff. · Working with Director and Assistant Director, Federal Programs, oversee revision of the Inspections chapter in the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan. 5) *Training:* · In coordination with DRA staff and RAAs, identify training needs and develop and conduct on-site trainings, webinars, and/or written guidelines for sub-recipients to ensure effective program administration. · Assist the PBV team with training materials as directed by the Assistant Director, Federal Programs. 6) *Other Administrative:* · Assist in the development and implementation of new/special MTW or DRA (including state-funded) initiatives, activities, and programs. _ _ _PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:_ 1. Technical knowledge of state sanitary code, building codes, code enforcement, special statutes and requirements for lead paint, asbestos, mold as well as HUD and EOHLC inspections requirements and construction standards, design specifications, techniques, materials, and maintenance standards and techniques. 2. Ability to effectively communicate technical requirements to non-technical audience. 3. Strong verbal and writing skills. 4. Ability to create databases and work collaboratively with IT staff in development of computer enhancements to support reporting requirements. 5. Prior experience in an inspections role related to affordable housing. 6. Ability to communicate inspection requirements knowledge of construction and repair standards, designs, techniques, and materials to multiple stakeholders. 7. Certification and/or licensing in real estate inspections. 8. Ability to prepare and present trainings to inspectors. 9. Working knowledge of the varied housing stock throughout Massachusetts and ability to assess quality in individual units in order to assist in the determination of reasonable rent. 10. Ability to travel to all parts of the Commonwealth on a regular or as-needed basis. 11. Demonstrated proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint sufficient to complete inspection, guidance, and training duties. Evening or weekend work: Some evening or weekend work may be necessary as the regular duties of this position. _ _ _ _ _ _ _COMMENTS:___ Please upload resume and cover letter. This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed. Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in real estate management, property management, public housing program management, public housing program development or public housing program administration, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.* III. A Master's or higher degree with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required. _Comprehensive Benefits_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Community and Social Services *Organization: Exec Office of Housing and Livable Communities *Title: *Inspections Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street Requisition ID: 240005RD